By: Jacob Maslow

Dirt, Ice, and Everything Nice: Adventures That Leave You Changed in a Good Way

Imagine this: Halfway up a winding trail, tires grinding over gravel, a spray of icy dirt decorating your jacket, and not a single bar of cell service to distract you. There’s no algorithm, sponsored posts, or playlist to skip through. Just the low hum of an engine, the sharp breath of cold air in your lungs, and a wild, sprawling landscape that’s entirely uninterested in whether or not you posted about it.

We’re not knocking the all-inclusive beach resort (do what works for you). But there’s something special about an adventure that offers more than just tan lines and souvenirs—the kind that leaves a lasting impression.

This is for the trail-takers, the cold plungers, and the unexpected detour embracers. Let’s discuss that adventure: the dirt, the ice, and everything.

The Good Kind of Discomfort

Let’s get something out: “Discomfort” isn’t a dirty word. Some of the unforgettable experiences start with a bit of it.

You know the kind. When the rain comes out of nowhere, you’re soaked but laughing, or your legs are burning halfway through a hike, you push through, and the view steals your breath. It’s not curated or filtered and doesn’t come with a turn-down service. But that little bit of friction? That’s where the good stuff lives.

Because here’s the truth glossy travel blogs won’t tell you: comfort zones are dull. They’re fine. Safe. Predictable. But when’s the last time you grew—or even felt—something confirmed in total comfort?

There’s a reason we remember the trips where things went a little sideways. The ones where the GPS glitched, the weather turned, or someone had to climb a hill on foot because, well, the rental didn’t make it. It’s chaos at the moment. But later? That’s the story you tell. The one you replay over drinks and texts your friends about six months later, still laughing.

Where to Go for That Kind of Adventure

Some places are built for this kind of experience. Not just beautiful but humbling. Not just photogenic but formative. If you’re craving an adventure that might just hit reset on your soul (without needing to quit your job and go whole “van life”), here are a few places to keep on your radar:

Patagonia, Argentina & Chile

Patagonia doesn’t care about your step count. The winds will slap your face one minute and reward you with sun-kissed glacier views the next. It’s a region that asks you to show up fully—emotionally, physically, spiritually, all of it. Trekking here isn’t just scenic; it’s meditative in a rugged, unforgiving way.

Iceland

If Earth had a “weird flex but OK” moment, it would be Iceland. Lava fields, thermal pools, ice caves, black sand beaches—it’s like nature couldn’t pick a vibe and just went with all of them. It’s ideal if you want to feel tiny (in a good way) and come back with stories that start with “You won’t believe this…”

Moab, Utah

Red rock. Desert silence. Unfiltered starlight. Moab brings considerable Mars energy—alien landscapes with a heartbeat. Whether you’re hiking Arches or off-roading in the backcountry, it’s the kind of place that feels raw and real. And yes, your legs will be sore. Worth it.

Anchorage, Alaska

And then there’s Anchorage. Wild, in a way, places have forgotten how to be. You can see snow-capped mountains and moose within 30 minutes of downtown. But we’re here to discuss one specific experience: Anchorage ATV tours.

This is not a tourist trap with neon signs and over-filtered pamphlets. These tours are immersive, elemental, and way more fun than we expected when we first Googled “Things to do in Alaska.”

You gear up, hop on, and soon explore untouched terrain. Think glacial valleys, river crossings, alpine meadows, and rugged trails. You’ll get muddy, maybe wet, and leave your inbox behind.

But here’s the surprise: it’s not just about the thrill. It’s about seeing a place with your whole body, not just your eyes. The rhythm of the ride, the raw quiet between engine rumbles, the occasional wildlife sighting—it hits differently. It slows you down, even as you’re speeding up.

The guides (locals) know these trails like old friends. They’ll tell you stories, point out things you’d miss, and make it all feel epic and intimate. It’s not just an activity—it’s an experience that anchors you to a place, even as you ride through it.

Why These Experiences Stick With You

There’s a reason you still think about when you missed the trailhead and ended up watching the sunset from some random overlook you never meant to find. Or the time your hands were freezing, but your heartfelt kind of… complete?

It’s because the ideal parts of a trip aren’t usually the parts you planned. They’re the unexpected turns, the messy moments, the tiny triumphs.

Adventures like ATV riding keep you focused on the experience—the terrain, the moment, even the freeze-dried snack that somehow tastes better. It’s authentic, unscripted, and memorable.

That kind of adventure builds memory-like muscle. You feel it for days—in your sore arms, windburned cheeks, and Instagram captions you keep rewriting because “amazing” just doesn’t cut it.

Go Somewhere That Moves You Literally and Figuratively

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to move to a cabin or go full nomadic minimalist to find meaning in travel. You just need to get out of autopilot. To let yourself be a little unprepared, a little messy, a little open.

Say yes to the thing that sounds slightly out of your comfort zone. That muddy trail. That icy wind. That morning wake-up feels very unliked as a vacation. That’s where the good stuff is hiding.

Anchorage isn’t the only place, but it’s a good start. If an ATV ride across wild, snowy Alaskan terrain doesn’t give your soul a little jolt, we don’t know what will. And even if it does make you sore the next day—you’ll smile every time you feel it.

Dirt washes off, but the feeling stays with you. Skip perfection. Embrace authenticity. Explore places you’ll honestly remember—whether it’s riding an ATV in Anchorage or somewhere else. Just go and take it all in.

Published by Anne C.